PROFILE
Founder: Mitsuyo Arizono
Author & Lecturer / Founder of MON Retreat & Salon
Served for approximately 20 years as an officer in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Through missions such as the UN Peacekeeping Operation (UNMISS) in South Sudan and studying abroad at the U.S. Army Engineer School, she cultivated leadership methodologies to empower individuals and organizations to act autonomously amidst diverse cultures and value systems.
Following major personal turning points, she retired from the Self-Defense Forces. Shifting her journey “from safeguarding peace externally to cultivating peace of mind within,” she restored a 135-year-old traditional gatehouse and established “MON Retreat & Salon.”
Her published book, Self-Starter, centers on reclaiming command of one’s own life. MON was created as a physical sanctuary where this philosophy is experienced firsthand through restful stays, deep dialogue, and mindful cultural programs.
Here, guests can listen intently to their inner voice and, in time, open their next door with their own hands. It is her dedicated wish to support each individual’s unique new beginning.
BOOK
Self-Starter:
The Skill of Moving Yourself Forward
Nihon Jitsugyo Publishing, 2026
Also published in translation in Taiwan
Synthesizing practical mindsets and actionable techniques to think, decide, and act autonomously in ambiguous situations, drawn from two decades of military service and significant life transitions.
Rather than waiting for conditions to align or directives from others, this book illuminates the “Self-Starter” way of life—reclaiming agency over your own trajectory.
SPEAKING / MEDIA
Keynotes & Corporate Seminars / Media Inquiries
Delivers keynote lectures and professional workshops focusing on organizational drive, personal initiative, resilient leadership, and Women, Peace and Security (WPS).
Instead of presenting personal experience as a single “correct answer,” her sessions prioritize creating a reflective environment where each participant uncovers their own clarity to take confident next steps. Also welcomes inquiries for media interviews, commentary, and writing.
Speaking & Media Inquiries
Speaking and corporate training engagements can be coordinated directly or through the speaker agency System Brain Inc. For inquiries from acquaintances, referrals, or collaborative projects linked with MON, please contact us directly via the inquiry form.